13 Iconic Barbecue Restaurants to Visit in New Jersey
Guide to the best New Jersey barbecue Restaurants. Discover the styles of BBQ Cooking and where you can find the the best eats.
New Jersey is not known as a state or in a region that has a BBQ style of it's own.
Because of this, NJ has many BBQ styles of cooking that represent the different regions of the U.S. Here are our picks for the best BBQ in NJ
Styles of BBQ Cooking
Kansas City BBQ is mostly pork spare ribs or beef brisket and it's the sauce that distinguishes it from other styles. It is very thick, just enough to stay on the meat and not fall to the bottom of the pit, and is largely tomato based.
Memphis BBQ Mostly ribs. The sauce is similar to Kansas City Style, but spicier and dry rubbed.
North Carolina BBQ is mostly a roast of the entire pig or major parts of it, and then the different parts are chopped up and mixed together before adding the sauce. The sauce is vinegar based, more so in the Eastern part of the state, and not too sweet and is shaken before applying it to the meat.
Texas BBQ is mostly beef brisket and is cooked slowly smoking with a spicy thick, tomato-based sauce.
Portuguese BBQ (Churrasco). In a churrascaria restaurant, they serve up a wide variety of different cuts of beef, pork, and poultry that are slowly roasted in specially designed charcoal grills to preserve the natural flavors with little or no sauces added. They are usually served on long skewers and carved at table side.
Top New Jersey Barbecue Competitions
The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship
This annual 3 day event is held in July in North Wildwood. The festival is an open-air event featuring championship barbecue competition; live cooking demonstrations, special displays,آ and food and beverage vendors to satisfy every taste and appetite. The championship competition is sanctioned and officiated by representatives of the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), the world's largest association of barbecue enthusiasts.
New Jersey Red White & Que Campground BBQ Series
Held annually in NJ. The Campground BBQ Series offers nationally sanctioned state BBQ championships scattered throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. These contests are primarily for teams only – there are no food vendors, music stage, kid's activities or other "festival" events.
Campers are welcome to interact with teams.
Best New Jersey Barbecue
-- Multiple New Jersey Locations
Local Smoke BBQ
Cookstown, Neptune, Red Bank, Sea Girt, Monmouth Park, NJ
If you’re craving authentic, smoky, fall-off-the-bone BBQ in New Jersey, Local Smoke BBQ is where your taste buds need to be. With five New Jersey locations, this spot consistently delivers on flavor, quality, and comfort. Local Smoke BBQ slow-smokes its meats using a blend of sugar maple and cherry wood, cooking at a low temperature of 170-200 degrees for hours to achieve deep flavor and tenderness. Their signature Uncle Dick’s BBQ Rub and homemade BBQ sauces enhance the rich, smoky flavors. Each cut of meat features a distinctive pink-to-red “smoke ring”—a sign of the low-and-slow cooking process, not undercooking.
Best Northern New Jersey Barbecue Restaurants
Brothers Smokehouse BBQ & Soul
Ramsey, NJ
If you're anywhere near Ramsey, NJ and find yourself craving authentic BBQ with a soulful twist, Brothers Smokehouse BBQ & Soul is a must-visit. This place doesn’t just serve food—it serves flavor, warmth, and a whole lot of heart. Brothers Smokehouse nails that down-home, Southern comfort vibe without feeling overly themed.
Cubby's BBQ
Hackensack, NJ
Cubby’s BBQ isn’t fancy, and that’s the point. It’s a no-frills, family-run joint that’s been serving up smoky, saucy comfort food for decades—and they know exactly what they’re doing. The ribs are the headliner. Meaty, tender, and just the right amount of char, they come dripping in Cubby’s signature sauce—sweet, tangy, and just a little sticky. If you’re into burnt ends or brisket, you’re in luck. They’re carved thick, full of flavor, and smoky without being dry.
KB's BBQ Smoke House
Irvington, NJ
Tucked away on Stuyvesant Ave, this spot doesn’t rely on flashy decor or gimmicks—it lets the smoke, flavor, and soul do the talking.
They serve excellent Kansas City & Texas style grilling. KB's is known for their pulled meats, flavorful sauces and tender meats.
Their Smokin Sandwiches, especially the Brisket sandwich, with fries are the best way to experience what they have to offer.
KB's BBQ Smoke House is an absolute win for BBQ lovers. Whether you're grabbing takeout or sitting down for a casual meal, this place delivers big flavor and Southern hospitality in every bite. Irvington, you've got a treasure here.
Pulled Pork BBQ
Long Valley, NJ
For barbecue enthusiasts seeking authentic Texas flavors in New Jersey, Pulled Fork BBQ offers a compelling experience. A family-owned establishment, renowned for its authentic Texas-style barbecue, brings a taste of Central-East Texas to the Garden State. They feature Pulled Pork & Beef Sausage with a variety of specialty sandwiches, hot dogs, fried chicken & shrimp tacos, chili, soup and more!
Best Central New Jersey Barbecue Restaurants
Big Ed's BBQ
Old Bridge, NJ
Big Ed's BBQ is well-regarded for its hearty portions, especially the unlimited ribs, and its lively, sports-friendly environment. The restaurant features a bar with over 20 TVs and 9 HD Flat Screens. Driving up to this place makes you think you are no longer in New Jersey. The roadhouse setting resembles a scene from the South and Midwest.
Renowned for its all-you-can-eat ribs (non-buffet style) and casual atmosphere. They serve a variety of ribs, including baby back, St. Louis, and spare ribs, each available with different sauces and rubs. Patrons can also enjoy other barbecue staples such as pulled pork, beef brisket, and chicken dishes. By Jersey standards, the barbecue food is above average.
Jersey Shore BBQ
East Brunswick and Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ
Jersey Shore BBQ offers authentic, Texas-style barbecue at its two New Jersey locations. Founder Doug Walsh, after honing his skills in Texas, brings a passion for smoked meats back to the Garden State. Their specialty is Texas style brisket and beef, smoked 12 - 15 hours.
In addition to BBQ, they also serve cold-smoked lobster salad, and pizzas with cold-smoked cheeses. Both locations are known for friendly and attentive service, ensuring a welcoming experience for families and groups. The commitment to quality and authenticity makes Jersey Shore BBQ a must-visit for barbecue enthusiasts in New Jersey.
Mutiny BBQ
Asbury Park, NJ
Mutiny BBQ offers a standout barbecue experience that draws inspiration from various Southern traditions, including Texas, the Carolinas, Memphis, Kansas City, and Louisiana. The quality and flavor of the meats, particularly the brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, is especially noteable. The restaurant's inviting backyard patio provides an ideal setting for gatherings, and the pet-friendly policy, complete with water bowls for dogs, adds to the welcoming atmosphere. You can sit close enough to the smoker to get that up close, authenic BBQ experience.
Red White & Que Smokehouse
Greenbrook, NJ
If you're craving authentic, no-frills barbecue, Red White & Que Smokehouse delivers big flavors in a cozy, laid-back setting. Having a reputation for winning many national BBQ awards, they are known for their tender and juicy Texas-style brisket, Carolina-style pulled pork, Alabama-style chicken, and St. Louis ribs. The brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the pulled pork is smoky and juicy, and the ribs are fall-off-the-bone perfect. Sides like mac and cheese and cornbread round out the meal with Southern comfort. The staff is friendly, the portions are generous, and the military-themed décor adds a unique, patriotic touch. Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or just hungry for something hearty, this spot is a must.
Best Southern New Jersey Barbecue Restaurants
Back Bay BBQ
Somers Point, NJ
Back Bay BBQ, located on the water with a nice little outside patio, is a hidden gem for lovers of smoky, comfort food. The menu features all the barbecue staples—tender ribs, juicy pulled pork, and flavorful brisket—each cooked low and slow to perfection. The house-made sauces add just the right kick, and sides like mac and cheese and cornbread round out the meal beautifully. With its laid-back, welcoming vibe and waterfront views, it's a great spot for casual dining or a hearty takeout feast.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, Back Bay BBQ is definitely worth a stop.
Fat Jack's BBQ
Turnersville, NJ
Fat Jack's BBQ has been celebrated for its award-winning barbecue, boasting over 200 accolades for dishes like ribs, brisket, and wings. They feature St. Louis style ribs, pulled pork and brisket, from dry rub ribs, and slow-smoked pulled pork sandwiches, to BBQ chicken doused in a homemade sauce.
For a real treat order the Hickory smoked St. Louis style pork ribs with your choice of mild BBQ, hot BBQ, honey BBQ, or Hawg Wild sauce.
Overall, Fat Jack's BBQ offers a solid barbecue experience with a variety of options to satisfy different tastes.
Henri's Hotts Barbeque
Folsom, NJ
Henri's Hotts Barbeque is a family-owned restaurant renowned for its authentic, Southern-style barbecue. Located in rural South Jersey, its one of the best places in the region for "Soul Cooking" serving award-winning homestyle BBQ including ribs, brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, jerk chicken, and wings. The beef brisket and St Louis style ribs are cooked, smoked over oak and hickory.
The Surfing Pig
North Wildwood, NJ
If you're looking for a laid-back, waterfront spot that delivers bold BBQ flavor, The Surfing Pig in North Wildwood is a must-visit. Known for its relaxed coastal vibes, breathtaking sunset views, nightly live music, a full bar, and a delicious menu featuring slow-smoked BBQ and fresh-caught seafood.
Service is friendly, and the sunset views from the deck only make the meal more memorable. Whether you're docking your boat or strolling over from the beach, The Surfing Pig hits the spot for BBQ lovers and beachgoers alike.
